Idealism versus realism: The complexities of polygamy in Shoneyin’s The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives (2010) and Emecheta’s The Joys of Motherhood (1979)

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Published: Jun 9, 2021
Keywords:
idealism, literary realism, marriage, polygamy

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Patricia Nathan Bwai
Department of General Studies, Plateau State Polytechnic, Nigeria
Dung Ishaya Pwajok
Department of General Studies, Plateau State Polytechnic Barkin Ladi

Abstract

Polygamy is a common practice in Nigeria and Africa at large. Despite its disadvantages which outweigh the advantages, many still practice it. The study, however, established that the vision of polygamy by would-be practitioners which is idyllic vary from the actual experience when they come into it (realism) and this knowledge serve as a caution. Although some view polygamy as a ‘problem solver’, they end up worse than they went in. This is a problem because it has resulted into divorce, infidelity in marriage, distrust / suspicion among spouses and sometimes murder. This study revealed other reasons why women marry to become second, third and even fourth wives. The study concluded that the practice of polygamy brings a lot of problems in marriages which also has a multiplier effect on society hence its practice where possible should be curtailed.

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How to Cite
Idealism versus realism: The complexities of polygamy in Shoneyin’s The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives (2010) and Emecheta’s The Joys of Motherhood (1979). (2021). Studies in Aesthetics & Art Criticism, 1(1). https://royalliteglobal.com/saac/article/view/632
Issue
Vol. 1 No. 1 (2021)
Section
Articles
Author Biographies

Patricia Nathan Bwai, Department of General Studies, Plateau State Polytechnic, Nigeria

Patricia Nathan Bwai is a lecturer with Plateau state polytechnic, Barkin Ladi. She teaches English language and literature. She is a member of the English Language Teachers Association of Nigeria(ELTAN) and English Scholars Association of Nigeria(ESAN). Her research interest is in the area of women studies. She is a PhD student at the University of Jos carrying out a research on Northern Nigerian women and mental health from selected works of Razinat T. Mohammed.

Dung Ishaya Pwajok , Department of General Studies, Plateau State Polytechnic Barkin Ladi

Dung Ishaya Pwajok is a lecturer with Plateau state polytechnic and majors in the field of language. Research taken in the field enhances her ability to use language appropriately and communicate well. Occasionally, I delve into the literary world to learn the different human traits. Feminism captures my interest. This has seen my attitude change towards discriminatory laws against women, especially fetish traditional beliefs which have no basis in modern science. I earned a Bachelor degree in English and currently working on my Master’s thesis in English.

How to Cite

Idealism versus realism: The complexities of polygamy in Shoneyin’s The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives (2010) and Emecheta’s The Joys of Motherhood (1979). (2021). Studies in Aesthetics & Art Criticism, 1(1). https://royalliteglobal.com/saac/article/view/632

References

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Emecheta, B. (2008). The Joys of Motherhood. Pearson Education Limited.

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Shoneyin, L. (2010). The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives. Cassava Republic Press.

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